Spiritualizing motivation in the workplace: exploratory factor analysis of the Maslow–Maqasid Shariah scale

Purpose This study aims to develop the Maslow–Maqasid Employee Motivation Scale (MM-EMS), a novel framework that integrates Maslow’s hierarchy of needs with Maqasid Shariah principles. By embedding ethical and spiritual imperatives into motivation theory, this study addresses the limitations of secular and individualistic models, offering a more holistic and cross-culturally adaptable understanding of workplace motivation. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative survey was administered to 250 Gen Z employees in Malaysia, yielding 169 valid responses (67.6% response rate). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) using principal component analysis with Varimax rotation was applied to test the dimensionality of the MM-EMS. Items were developed through expert validation and focus groups to ensure cultural and contextual relevance. Findings The results identified 15 distinct motivational components, collectively explaining 79.39% of the variance. These components reflect not only psychological needs but also ethical-spiritual drivers such as trust in leadership, purposeful work, communal justice and spiritual fulfillment. Research limitations/implications This research used EFA and cross-sectional self-report study design. The model also needs to be tested further with the help of confirmatory factor analysis to confirm the structure. Practical implications The MM-EMS provides HR practitioners and organizational leaders with a diagnostic tool to assess employee needs across psychological, ethical and spiritual dimensions. Its emphasis on trust in leadership and fairness offers actionable guidance for leadership training, policy design and employee engagement strategies. Social implications By aligning motivation with Maqasid Shariah, the MM-EMS reframes work as a moral and communal endeavor, contributing to ethical labor practices and organizational justice. This alignment supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Decent Work (SDG 8), Gender Equality (SDG 5) and Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16). Originality/value The novelty of this study lies in extending Maslow’s theory into a faith-sensitive, empirically validated scale that integrates psychological and spiritual dimensions of motivation. The MM-EMS not only advances motivational theory but also sets a foundation for cross-cultural applications, offering a paradigm that balances organizational performance with ethical integrity and spiritual purpose.